The common image in people's heads regarding international travel insurance centers on short term travel. While this is true in many instances what happens when a person needs to travel for six months to a year? Well, you could take out a 6 month to a year travel policy. Yes, such an animal does exist although the numbers of policy providers who issue such extended contracts are less than those who issue extended ones…the longer ones do exist.

Keep in mind if you are going to take out an extended policy it is best to find as much coverage as possible. This includes emergency care, extended care, and even dental care if possible. Yes, such a policy may prove to be an expensive premium but it is worth it in the long run. Remember, a lot can happen in a year so it is best to be prepared.

On a side note, there is a VERY important aspect that has to be considered when you travel out of the country for an extended period of time and it has to do with your permanent insurance policy. Certain policies – because they are issued by a state insurance provider – may be automatically cancelled if you are out of the state beyond six months or a year. As such, if you do plan to travel for an extended period of time you will need to check on what impact it has on your regular insurance policy. In some cases, you may have to find a new insurance provider or modify your travel plans. Yes, people will fly back to the state to "touch home" and maintain the current policy. It works for them. It may work for you too!

The bottom line is this: you should always have an insurance policy covering your medical expenses whether traveling, at home or a combination of both.